Soon-to-be grandfather jailed after masked violent robbery at Wolverhampton convenience store

She was punched in the face and had hair pulled out, leaving with her with physical and mental injuries which she is still struggling with.

She said: "This really knocked me about. I am too scared to work in the shop where the attack happened. I have had to go to hospital with my injuries and having my hair pulled out was very painful."

Pemberton was found guilty of robbery after a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court during which the jury was shown CCTV footage of the incident.

Pemberton,  from Walton Road,  has previous convictions, including robbery.

In mitigation, the court heard Pemberton had mental health and addiction issues, is married with children and is soon to be a grandfather. Also since being on remand he has showed remorse and realised addiction had wrecked his life.

Recorder Amy Jackson KC sentenced Pemberton to four years and six months imprisonment.

She said: "You have been convicted by jury of robbery.  On February 11 three of you went inside One Stop Shop whilst one waited in the car outside, ready to drive you away after the robbery.

"You had concealed your identity as best as you could all wearing Covid-style masks and pulling your hoods up."

She added: "There was planning, shown by masks worn, hoods up and a car waiting. The CCTV showed you all wearing gloves and making the effort not to touch the door instead kicking it open with your feet."

Recorder Jackson told Pemberton the attack on the staff member was an aggravating factor when she set his sentence.

She said: "The staff member was working alone at the front of the store, on her own, earning a living.

"She was subjected to unnecessary gratuitous violence. The CCTV showed her head being grabbed and then very suffering forceful punches. She had her hair pulled out which caused her injuries."

She added: "I accept you were not the individual who used that violence, but it happened none the less during the robbery you were part of."